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Before stepping on to the pitch for the first time in preseason for the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League season, the Houston Dash released their roster just this morning. While there are quite a few new faces in the mix, I think most Dash fans will be happy to see some familiar faces showing up in the colors that we’ve come to know and love.
Houston heads to Plano, Texas on Saturday to scrimmage against Baylor on Sunday, March 19 at Prestonwood Lions Stadium where we will see 16 players who are currently contracted by the Dash, four federation players, and two of the draftees from the 2017 NWSL College Draft. Fans will also possibly get the chance to see three non-contracted players join the team and take the pitch for preseason.
2017 Houston Dash Preseason Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campell (2017 NWSL College Draft pick), Bianca Henninger, Lydia Williams
Defenders (10): Bruna Benites, Megan Crosson (non-roster invitee), Claire Falknor, Jaylyn Odermann (non-roster invitee), Stephanie Ochs, Cami Privett, Poliana, Cari Roccaro, Erin Smith (2017 NSWL College Draft pick), Janine Van Wyk
Midfielders (6): Andressa, Morgan Brian (federation player), Amber Brooks, Anna Maria Gilbertson, Caity Heap, Carly Lloyd (not in preseason camp), Denise O’ Sullivan
Forwards (6): Janine Beckie (federation player), Rachel Daly, Melissa Henderson, Amber Munnerlyn (non-roster invitee), Kealia Ohai, Nichelle Prince (federation player)
With Kealia Ohai scoring a career-best 11 goals last season paving the path for success this preseason alongside two 2016 Olympic bronze medalists (Beckie and Prince) Houston is sure to have a pretty great preseason. Not to mention the athletes like Brian, Poliana, Heap, and really the entire roster who have more than proven that they can set up, make, and follow through on plays. Houston houses one of the most diverse rosters league wide with international players from Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Ireland, Mexico, and South Africa.
With the depth of each position, the talent behind each of the athletes mentioned above, and great leadership from multiple federation players, the Dash have a shot this preseason to set the momentum and tone for the regular season that begins on Saturday, April 15, 2017 against the Chicago Red Stars.